Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
Criteria: The Code of Federal Regulations §200.318 required that entities must have and use documented procurement procedures that conform to the procurement standards identified in §200.317 through §200.327. These procedures must include written standards of conduct covering conflicts of interest and governing the actions of its employees engaged in the selection, award and administration of contracts. Non-federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at SAM.gov, (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180 300). The Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR 200.318(I)) requires that each non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition: The Organization does not have written procurement policies in accordance with procurement requirements contained within the Uniform Guidance including policies and procedures in place to ensure that before entering into a covered transaction the Organization perform the necessary verifications of suspended or debarred entities. The Organization did not maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions and maintain sufficient documentation of its procurement decisions. Cause: The Organization's federal funding significantly increased in the year ended June 30, 2024 and is the first year that the Organization was required to undergo an audit in accordance with the Uniform Guidance that included a procurement requirement. The Organization has existing purchasing and conflict of interest policies in place; however, it was not aware that its existing purchasing policies were required to be updated to explicitly comply with the standards in the Uniform Guidance. As well as, the Organization does not have procedures in place to ensure suspension and debarment checks are completed prior to entering into purchase or service agreements with vendors and updated on an annual basis. Evidence of actions taken to ensure proper suspension and debarment requirements were not being maintained by the Organization. Effect: In the absence of an appropriately written policy, it is more likely that the Organization's procurement practices will not comply with the Uniform Guidance. The Organization did not comply with the procurement standards concerning suspension and debarment and documentation of procurement activities. Recommendation: A written procurement policy in compliance with federal guidelines and a written standard of conduct should be established in accordance with procurement requirements contained in the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding; see corrective action plan.
2024-005 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Program Information: Department of Treasury - State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund ALN - 21.027 - State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR §200.318(a) Condition: During our testing we reviewed the procurement policy for the City and identified multiple provisions required were not included in the policy. Cause: The control lapse occurred because there was turnover in key positions and the policy has not been reviewed. Effect: Procurement activities conducted under this incomplete policy may not adhere to required federal standards, increasing the risk of noncompliance, unallowable costs or procurement practices that do not ensure fair and open competition. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The procurement policy in effect during the fiscal year was reviewed which is not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the City revise its procurement policy to fully incorporate all elements required by 2 CFR §200.317-200.327. Additionally, we suggest the City implement a regular policy review process to ensure continued compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the City.
2024-005 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Program Information: Department of Treasury - State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund ALN - 21.027 - State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR §200.318(a) Condition: During our testing we reviewed the procurement policy for the City and identified multiple provisions required were not included in the policy. Cause: The control lapse occurred because there was turnover in key positions and the policy has not been reviewed. Effect: Procurement activities conducted under this incomplete policy may not adhere to required federal standards, increasing the risk of noncompliance, unallowable costs or procurement practices that do not ensure fair and open competition. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The procurement policy in effect during the fiscal year was reviewed which is not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the City revise its procurement policy to fully incorporate all elements required by 2 CFR §200.317-200.327. Additionally, we suggest the City implement a regular policy review process to ensure continued compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the City.
2024-005 - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Program Information: Department of Treasury - State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund ALN - 21.027 - State & Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR §200.318(a) Condition: During our testing we reviewed the procurement policy for the City and identified multiple provisions required were not included in the policy. Cause: The control lapse occurred because there was turnover in key positions and the policy has not been reviewed. Effect: Procurement activities conducted under this incomplete policy may not adhere to required federal standards, increasing the risk of noncompliance, unallowable costs or procurement practices that do not ensure fair and open competition. Identification of Questioned Costs: None identified. Context: The procurement policy in effect during the fiscal year was reviewed which is not a statistically valid sample. Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: We recommend the City revise its procurement policy to fully incorporate all elements required by 2 CFR §200.317-200.327. Additionally, we suggest the City implement a regular policy review process to ensure continued compliance with federal regulations. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the City.
Condition: Expenditures for federal programs did not follow the non-federal entities procedures before entering a covered transaction. Two (2) disbursements totaling $28,882 were not properly encumbered in accordance with state statute. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure federal expenditures are made in accordance with federal compliance requirements. Effect of Condition: This condition could result in noncompliance to grant requirements and could lead to a loss of federal funds to the County. Recommendation: OSAI recommends the County gain an understanding of the grant requirements for this program and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with these grant requirements. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: I plan to communicate with the Budget Board regarding this finding and have already introduced to the Budget Board, a form guideline called “Payne County Grant Administration Plan” to aid in proper documentation, reporting and proper spending of all grant awards. County Clerk: The Payne County Budget Board has approved and adopted a Federal Funding Checklist as well as Federal Funding guidelines on agreements and awards. The Payne County Clerk’s office also communicates with each department and requests that they report to our office any Federal Grants and Awards they receive and report those on their SEFA annually to our office. We also communicate with the Treasurer’s office and request to know when any Federal money has been received. Criteria: Compliance and Reporting Guidance, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (8. Procurement, Suspension & Debarment.) reads as follows: Recipients are responsible for ensuring that any procurement using SLFRF funds, or payments under procurement contracts using such funds, are consistent with the procurement standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327, unless stated otherwise by Treasury. As outlined in FAQ 13.15, only a subset of the Uniform Guidance requirements at 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart D (Post Federal AwardRequirements) applies to recipients’ use of funds in the revenue loss eligible use category. The procurement standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CRF 200.317 through 2 CRF 200.327 are not included in FAQ 13.15’s list of applicable Subpart D requirements that apply to recipients’ use of funds in the revenue loss eligible use category. The Uniform Guidance establishes in 2 CFR 200.319 that all procurement transactions for property or services must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition, consistent with standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, which allows for non-competitive procurements only in certain circumstances. Recipients must have and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with the standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.320. In addition, the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.214, 2 CFR Part 180, and Treasury’s implementing regulations at 31 CFR Part 19, prohibit recipients from entering into contracts with suspended or debarred parties. The procurement standards outlined in the Uniform Guidance require an infrastructure for competitive bidding and contractor oversight, including maintaining written standards of conduct. Your organization must ensure adherence to all applicable local, State, and federal procurement laws and regulations. Further, 2 CFR § 200.319 Competition (d) reads as follows: The non-Federal entity must have written procedures for procurement transactions.
2024-005 Improve Internal Controls Over Procurement Federal Program(s) Information Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Award Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement 2 CFR 200.318–200.327 requires the City to follow documented procurement procedures consistent with applicable Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of their Federal award. The City must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, including, but not limited to, the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Condition and Context During our testing of six procurement transactions under the SLFRF program, the City was unable to provide documentation supporting procurement policies and procedures were followed for one transaction. Specifically, the City did not provide evidence of procurement history, competitive selection, or justification for the selected vendor related to this expenditure. Invoices were provided to support the expenditure. Cause The City’s internal controls did not ensure that procurement documentation was adequately maintained and available to support all federally funded transactions as required by Uniform Guidance. Effect or Potential Effect Lack of supporting procurement documentation increases the risk of noncompliance with Federal procurement requirements. No questioned costs are reported, as the expenditure was below the questioned cost threshold. Recommendation We recommend that the City strengthen its controls to ensure all required procurement documentation is maintained and readily available for all federally funded transactions. The City should provide training to procurement and program staff on Federal documentation requirements and regularly review procurement files for completeness. Views of Responsible Official Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
2024-005 Inadequate Contract Retention and Suspension/Debarment Verification (Material Weakness) Federal Agency: Department of Education Pass-through Agency: New Hampshire Department of Education Cluster/Program: Special Education Cluster Assistance Listing Number(s): 84.027, 84.173, 84.027X, 84.173X Passed-through Identification: 20220039, 20221010, 20221035, 20221036, 20221037, 20230209, 20230211, 20230212, 20230214, 20230215, 20230231, 20230232, 2024188, 20240189, 20240190, 20240191, 20240191, 20240199, 20240308 Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Type of Finding: Internal Control over Compliance – Material Weakness Material Noncompliance Criteria or Specific Requirement: Federal regulations require that non-federal entities, including school administrative units (SAUs), maintain adequate documentation for all procurement transactions and ensure that vendors are eligible to participate in federal programs. Specifically, 2 CFR 200.318–200.327 outlines standards for procurement, including maintaining documentation that demonstrates compliance with federal requirements, ensuring fair and open competition, and retaining executed contracts and related procurement records. Additionally, 2 CFR 180 and 2 CFR 200.213 require verification that vendors are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in federal programs prior to entering into a contract. Federal guidance emphasizes that all procurement documentation, including executed contracts, bid evaluations, and vendor eligibility verification, must be retained to provide an audit trail demonstrating compliance and prudent use of federal funds. Maintaining proper documentation and performing required verification steps helps prevent the risk of fraud, waste, or improper payments and ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. Condition: During testing of procurement activities, we noted that two signed and executed contracts could not be located. Furthermore, for all vendors reviewed except one, there was no evidence that the School Administrative Unit (SAU) performed procedures to verify that the vendors were not suspended or debarred. Cause: The SAU did not have a consistent process for retaining executed contracts or for documenting the verification of vendor eligibility under suspension/debarment requirements. Staff were not aware of the federal verification requirements or lacked formal procedures to ensure compliance. Effect: The absence of executed contracts and verification procedures increases the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement regulations. This could potentially result in questioned costs during a federal audit and may expose the SAU to financial or reputational risk if funds were improperly paid to ineligible vendors. Questioned Costs: $679,147 Identification as Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding. Recommendation: The SAU should implement a formal procurement policy that ensures all contracts are properly executed, signed, and retained. The policy should also establish a standardized process to verify all vendors against federal suspension and debarment lists prior to awarding contracts, with documentation of all verification steps maintained as part of the procurement record. Additionally, staff should be trained on these procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with federal requirements. Views of Responsible Officials: Management’s views and corrective action plan is included at the end of this report.
Criteria: 2024 Compliance Supplement stated that the non-federal entity must meet the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318(a), which indicated that the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. Condition/Context: As a result of our audit procedures, we noted that Eden's current purchasing (procurement) policy does not include the elements required by the Uniform Guidance. In particular, the policy should address the procurement methods outlined in the procurement claw (i.e. micro-purchases, small purchases, competitive bidding, etc.). Repeat Finding from Prior Year(s): No Cause and Effect: This issue arose from Eden’s limited understanding of the Uniform Guidance’s procurement requirements, which contributed to non-compliance with program requirements. Questioned Cost: None Recommendation: We recommend that management revisit its procurement policies to incorporate the necessary elements required by the Uniform Guidance. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Management agrees with the finding that the agency did not have policies for Procurement or Suspension and Debarment. The agency intends to adopt a procurement policy and procedures that meets the general procurement standards in 2 CFR section 200.318(a) and the State of California. The agency is also creating policies and procedures to ensure vendors are not suspended or debarred from work on federally funded projects.
FINDING REFERENCE NUMBER 2024-009 FEDERAL PROGRAMS (ALN – 84.027) SPECIAL EDUCATION – GRANTS TO STATES (IDEA, PART B) – SPECIAL EDUCATION CLUSTER (IDEA) (ALN – 84.173) SPECIAL EDUCATION – PRESCHOOL GRANTS (IDEA PRESCHOOL) – SPECIAL EDUCATION CLUSTER (IDEA) (ALN – 84.938A) HURRICANE EDUCATION RECOVERY – INMMEDIATE AID TO RESTART SCHOOL OPERATIONS (RESTART) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARD NUMBERS H027A220003 (07/01/2022 – 09/30/2023); H027A230003 (07/01/2023 – 09/30/2024); H173A220003 (07/01/2022 – 09/30/2023); H173A230003 (07/01/2023 – 09/30/2024); S938A180002 (04/26/2018 – 09/30/2025). COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT PROCUREMENT AND SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE AND MATERIAL WEAKNESS CRITERIA 2 CFR Section 200.317, establishes that when conducting procurement transactions under a Federal award, a State or Indian Tribe must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements with non-Federal funds. 2 CFR §200.318(a)(i) establishes that the recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. The recipient or subrecipient must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of each procurement transaction. These records must include the rationale for the procurement method, contract type selection, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. STATEMENT OF CONDITION For the ALN 84.938A Restart program, we selected the same sample determined to audit the compliance requirement activities allowed or unallowed/allowable costs/cost principle of forty (40) disbursements from a population of six hundred eighty-three (683) disbursements to suppliers made during the fiscal year 2023-2024. For these forty (40) disbursements, we evaluated the procurement process, and we found the following deficiencies: For nineteen (19) of the cases, the PRDE did not provide either all the necessary documentation or, in some instances, only partial information, preventing a proper assessment of the procurement process for each authorized disbursement. In relation to the IDEA Cluster Program (ALNs 84.027 and 84.173), we requested a list of all procurement procedures performed related to professional services and direct services to participants. No information was provided related to procurement procedures. In addition, we selected a sample of twenty-five (25) transactions for which a quotation process should have been performed, no evidence of quotation process was provided. This represents a scope limitation. QUESTIONED COSTS None. PERSPECTIVE INFORMATION After we requested all the supporting information related to procurement processes, the PRDE was not be able to provide the basic documentation for the procurement performed during the reasonable period of time. STATEMENT OF CAUSE In relation to the IDEA Cluster, the program performs a procurement process related to specific services for which no evidence of the procurement performed was provided. In addition, quotations for some purchases are performed through the Purchase Department of the PRDE. Evidence of the sample selection was not provided for evaluation For the ALN 84.938A, due to the lack of an adequate archiving process for the documentation of the procurement processes, the evidence could not be provided for our evaluation POSSIBLE ASSERTED EFFECT Due to the lack of filing documentation related to the procurements performed program ALN 84.938A Restart, we were unable to properly ascertain if compliance with the procurement process was performed. In relation to the IDEA Cluster, we were unable to ascertain compliance with the procurement compliance requirements. IDENTIFICATION OF REPEAT FINDING This is a repeat finding (Finding Reference Number 2023-007). RECOMMENDATIONS We recommend that the PRDE review its internal control procedures for filings to ensure that all procurement documentation is readily available to any auditor or entity tasked with assessing the procurement process. VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS Management agrees with the audit finding. The Puerto Rico Department of Education (PRDE) acknowledges that the requested procurement documentation was not fully available at the time of the auditors’ review. However, management made every effort to gather and reconstruct the information for all the selected transactions, and the complete documentation will be available. Furthermore, the PRDE is taking actions to improve the accessibility and organization of procurement files to ensure that all documentation is readily available for review in a timely manner. Internal controls over document retention and filing procedures are being reinforced to prevent recurrence of this situation. It is important to note that the procurement processes followed by the PRDE comply with the applicable requirements established under the Code of Federal Regulations (2 CFR Part 200 – Uniform Guidance). Management remains committed to strengthening its internal controls, ensuring full compliance with federal and state requirements, and maintaining complete and timely documentation to support all procurement activities. IMPLEMENTATION DATE Current Fiscal Year. RESPONSIBLE PERSON María de los A. Lizardi Valdés Office of Federal Affairs Director Edgar Delgado Serrano Office of Federal Affairs Associate Director
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH PROCUREMENT AND SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT REQUIREMENTS, CORONAVIRUS STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS, ASSISTANCE LISTING No. 21.027, DIRECT ALLOCATION, GRANT No. AM-23-0295, YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2024 Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.214, non-Federal entities are subject to the non-procurement, debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR part 180. The regulations in 2 CFR part 180 restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities. Condition: The city did not comply with the procurement standards outlined in 2 CFR §200.318-§200.327, which require competitive procurement processes and verification that contractors are not suspended or debarred. Specifically, the city did not verify the eligibility of program recipients/participants/contractors through the System for Award Management (SAM) or equivalent documentation in order to verify that they were not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded from participation in the program. Cause: The city does not have procurement policies and procedures in place that allow it to comply with procurement standards outlined in the Uniform Guidance. Effect: Non-compliance with program terms and conditions. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: Management should develop procedures that will provide reasonable assurance that procurement of goods and services are made in compliance with applicable federal regulations and other procurement requirements specific to a federal award or subaward, and that no subaward, contract, or agreement for purchase of goods or services is made with any suspended or debarred party. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective action: The government agrees with this finding and will adhere to the attached corrective action plan.
Finding 2024-001: Significant Deficiency – Lack of Procurement Policy and Documentation on Sole Source Contracts and Verification of Vendors Federal Grantor: Department of Health and Human Services Condition: The Organization does not have a procurement policy in place that complies with Uniform Guidance. The Organization contracted with a vendor on a sole-source basis and did not document justification for the use of a sole source vendor. In addition, the Organization did not verify that the vendor was not on the list of vendors suspended or debarred from federal contracting before contracting with the vendor. Criteria: Entities are required to have written standards of conduct that cover conflicts of interest and govern the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contracts (2 CFR section 200.318(c) and 48 CFR sections 52.203-13 and 52.303-16). Entities are required to follow the procurement standards in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327, including ensuring that the procurement method used for the contracts are appropriate based on the dollar amount and conditions specified in 2 CFR section 200.320 and noncompetitive procurements. Entities also must comply with 2 CFR Part 1326 that prohibits entities that have been debarred, suspended or voluntarily excluded from participating in Federal procurement. Cause: The Organization does not have a procurement policy that addresses sole source contracting and verifying vendor certification that they are not debarred, suspended, ineligible or voluntarily excluded from Federal procurements. Effect: The Department of Health and Human Services may impose additional conditions on the receipt of a subsequent tranche of future award funds, if any, or take other available remedies as set forth in 2 C.F.C. section 200.339. Recommendation: We recommend the Organization review policies with staff to ensure procurement requirements are followed, and that staff are familiar with federal procurement requirements. Management’s Response: The Organization will develop a procurement policy that complies with federal requirements and will document its justification for vendor selections.
The Ohio County Fiscal Court failed to publicly advertise for bids for all but two of the work site projects for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program project. While the county advertised a pre-bid meeting in the local newspaper for prospective companies to get an opportunity to learn about the project, the actual request for bids should have also been advertised in the local newspaper to ensure fair and cost effective procurement procedures. The total of the amount paid for services not properly advertised was $555,000. A total of $766,100 was spent for this program in the audit year. Per the emergency management staff, this was likely due to a misunderstanding and oversight of what was advertised. They had maintained documentation of the pre-bid meeting being advertised and thought that the actual bid request was advertised as well, but it appears it was not. By not following proper bidding procedures, the public was not made aware of the request for bids for this project and did not have an opportunity to apply to provide services for the project. Only those who attended the pre-bid meeting knew of the bidding procedures and the specifications for the projects. KRS 46.010(2) requires, “each county treasurer, and each county officer who receives or disburses state funds, to keep an accurate account of receipts and disbursements, showing a daily balance of receipts and disbursements.” KRS 46.010(3) requires, “all county officers handling state funds, other than taxes, to make an annual report to the Department for Local Government showing receipts and disbursements, and to make other financial statements as the Department for Local Government requires.” Strong internal controls require management to monitor disbursements to ensure compliance with procurement laws, and to keep good records of all bids and other procurement transactions. KRS 424.260 requires that all contractual services other than professional involving expenditures of greater than $40,000 to be advertised in the local newspaper for bids. In addition, 2 CFR section 200.318 (a) states “The recipient or subrecipient must maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." Repeat Finding: This is not a repeat finding from the previous year.
Finding #SA2024-004 Compliance with Procurement Requirements Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Assistance Listing Title: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Name of Federal Agency: Department of Treasury Pass Through Entity: California State Water Resources Control Board Federal Award Identification Number: A-00216-01 Criteria: Section I, Procurement and Suspension and Debarment, of the May 2024 OMB Compliance Supplement includes the following: In July 2022, Treasury released Final Rule FAQ 13.15, which explains that only a subset of the requirements in Subparts D and E of the Uniform Guidance apply to recipients’ use of award funds under the revenue loss eligible use category. The requirements of 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327 are not included in the list of requirements applicable to such funds. The FAQ 13.15 referenced indicates “In general, these requirements provide that recipients should not deviate from their established practices and policies regarding the incurrence of costs, and that they should expend and account for the funds in accordance with laws and procedures for expending and accounting for the recipient’s own funds.” Condition: We selected seven services and supplies transactions under the revenue loss category to test for allowability under the program and compliance with the City’s procurement policies and noted two vehicle purchases in the amounts of $60,762 and $54,383 were accompanied by sole source purchase documentation, in lieu of formal bidding, but the sole source forms were not signed as approved by the Department Director. Cause: We understand City staff could not locate the authorized forms for the two vehicle purchases. Effect: The City is not in compliance with the procurement requirements of the CSLFRF program. Recommendation: The City must develop procedures to ensure that the procurement files contain documentation to demonstrate compliance with the bidding/quote, contract and sole source requirements, as well as City Council approval requirements, to ensure compliance not only with its own policies, but with the procurement requirements of the CSLFRF grant. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Please see Corrective Action Plan separately prepared by the City.
2024-001 – Procurement, Debarment and Suspension Federal Program Information: US Department of the Treasury, passed through State of Maine Efficiency Maine 21.027 - Coronavirus State Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR section 200.318 through 200.327. Condition: During audit procedures it was identified that the Town did not check sam.gov to confirm the contractor was not debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds nor did they request a Suspension and Debarment certification from the contractor. It was also identified that the contract was missing several required provisions, including but not limited to, Davis Bacon requirement, Clean Air Act, Federal Water Pollution Act, and the procurement file did not have the cost or price analysis documented. Cause: The Town did not follow their adopted procurement policy. Effect: There is a possibility that the contractor could have been debarred or suspended from working on federally funded projects. Funding may have been erroneously paid to a debarred or suspended contractor resulting in a material misstatement. Identification of Questioned Costs: $290,843 Context: The entire population of 12 months of reimbursements from the fiscal year were examined. Only two disbursements were made during the fiscal year, both were examined. Repeat Finding: This is a not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that federal procurement requirements are understood, including those requirements of recipients, subrecipients, contractors and how to determine who is a recipient, subrecipient and/or contractor. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan.
2024-001 – Procurement, Debarment and Suspension Federal Program Information: US Department of the Treasury, passed through State of Maine Efficiency Maine 21.027 - Coronavirus State Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Criteria: The following CFR(s) apply to this finding: 2 CFR section 200.318 through 200.327. Condition: During audit procedures it was identified that the Town did not check sam.gov to confirm the contractor was not debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds nor did they request a Suspension and Debarment certification from the contractor. It was also identified that the contract was missing several required provisions, including but not limited to, Davis Bacon requirement, Clean Air Act, Federal Water Pollution Act, and the procurement file did not have the cost or price analysis documented. Cause: The Town did not follow their adopted procurement policy. Effect: There is a possibility that the contractor could have been debarred or suspended from working on federally funded projects. Funding may have been erroneously paid to a debarred or suspended contractor resulting in a material misstatement. Identification of Questioned Costs: $290,843 Context: The entire population of 12 months of reimbursements from the fiscal year were examined. Only two disbursements were made during the fiscal year, both were examined. Repeat Finding: This is a not a repeat finding. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Town implement internal control processes and procedures to ensure that federal procurement requirements are understood, including those requirements of recipients, subrecipients, contractors and how to determine who is a recipient, subrecipient and/or contractor. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan.
2 CFR § 400.1 gives regulatory effect to the Department of Agriculture for 2 CFR § 200.318 through 200.327 which describe specific procedures non-Federal entities must follow when making procurement transactions using Federal funds. 2 CFR § 200.318(a) indicates that a non-Federal entity must use its own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable State and local laws and regulations, provided that such procurements conform to applicable Federal law and standards. 2 CFR § 200.320 indicates the non-Federal entity must use one of the following methods of procurement: (a) procurement by micro-purchases, which are acquisitions of supplies or services for which the aggregate dollar amount does not exceed the micro-purchase threshold; (b) procurement by small purchase procedures, which are relatively simple and informal procurements that do not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources; (c) procurement by sealed bids, which are purchases made through publicly solicited bids and result in a firm fixed-price contract (lump-sum or unit price) awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder whose bid conforms to all material terms and conditions of the invitation for bids. This method is appropriate when a complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available, two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the business, and the procurement lends itself to a firm fixed-price contract with the selection of the successful bidder made principally on price; (d) procurement by competitive proposals, which is appropriate when purchases are large and competitive bidding is not appropriate; or (e) procurement by noncompetitive proposals, which are appropriate when the item is available only from a single source, the noncompetitive procurement is expressly authorized in the Federal award, competition is deemed inadequate after solicitation of multiple sources, or the item must be purchased without delay due to a public emergency or exigent circumstances. 2 CFR § 200.318(i) indicates the non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. Such records must include, but are not necessarily limited to, the rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. Maple Heights City School District Board Policy EAG – Administration of Federal Grant Funds requires that all purchases of property and services using federal funds be conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, the Uniform Guidance, and the District’s written policies and procedures. The policy also requires the District to perform a cost or price analysis for every procurement exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. In addition, purchasing records must be maintained in sufficient detail to document the history of each procurement, including at a minimum: the rationale for the method of procurement, the selection of contract type, the contractor selected or rejected, the basis for the contract price, and verification that the contractor is not suspended or debarred. Although the District provided verbal justification for the four vendors selected during procurement testing for the Child Nutrition Cluster, it did not maintain written documentation sufficient to detail the history of the procurements, as required by federal regulations and District procurement policy. The procurements tested were below the simplified acquisition threshold; however, for three of the four procurements, required price or rate quotations from an adequate number of qualified sources were not documented. As a result, the District could not demonstrate compliance with federal procurement requirements. Failure to follow Uniform Guidance requirements and district federal procurement policies could lead to reduced future federal funding and questioned costs. The District should adopt and implement procedures to ensure that the history of each procurement is documented, including the rationale for the method of procurement, vendor selection, cost or price analysis, if applicable, and the justification for limiting competition, such as the use of a sole source provider or procurement due to emergency or exigent circumstances.
FINDING 2024-010 Subject: Special Education Cluster (IDEA) - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Education Federal Programs: Special Education Grants to States, COVID-19 - Special Education Grants to States, Special Education Preschool Grants, COVID-19 - Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listings Numbers: 84.027, 84.027X, 84.173, 84.173X Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): 21611-045-PN01, 22611-045-PN01, 22611-045-ARP, 21619-045-PN01, 22619-045-PN01, 22619-045-ARP Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Condition and Context The School Corporation had not properly designed or implemented a system of internal controls, which would include appropriate segregation of duties, that would likely be effective in preventing, or detecting and correcting, noncompliance related to the Procurement and Suspension and Debarment compliance requirement. Procurement - Small Purchases Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000 unless a lower, more restrictive threshold is set by a nonfederal entity. As Indiana Code has set a more restrictive threshold of $150,000, the informal procurement method is permitted when the value of the procurement does not exceed $150,000. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The population for those procurements that fell within the small purchase range consisted of three vendors with a total purchased amount from those vendors of $75,284. The School Corporation did not provide adequate documentation detailing the history of procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, for all three vendors. Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAM exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. One vendor provided contracted services paid with Special Education Grant funds during the audit period totaling $44,827. Upon inquiry of the School Corporation, it was determined that the School Corporation did not verify that the contractor was not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36 NORTH LAWRENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) The lack of effective internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must have and use document procurement procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement used for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or sub-award. (a) Informal procurement methods. When the value of the procurement for property or services under a Federal award does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), as defined in § 200.1, or a lower threshold established by a non-Federal entity, formal procurement methods are not required. The non-Federal entity may use informal procurement methods to expedite the completion of its transactions and minimize the associated administrative burden and cost. The informal methods used for procurement of property or services at or below the SAT include: . . . (2) Small purchases— (i) Small purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 37 NORTH LAWRENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Indiana Code 5-22-8-3 states in part: "(a) . . . if the purchasing agent expects the purchase to be: (1) at least fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); and (2) not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000). . . . (d) . . . the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror for each line or class of supplies required. . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause A proper system of internal controls was not designed by management of the School Corporation, which would include segregation of key functions. Embedded within a properly designed and implemented internal control system should be internal controls consisting of policies and procedures. Policies reflect the School Corporation's management statements of what should be done to affect internal controls, and procedures should consist of actions that would implement these policies. Effect Without the proper implementation of an effectively designed system of internal controls, the internal control system cannot be capable of effectively preventing, or detecting and correcting, material noncompliance. As a result, procurement procedures for goods and services were not adhered to, and vendors to whom payments equal to or in excess of $25,000 were not verified to be not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. Noncompliance with the grant agreement and the compliance requirement could result in the loss of future federal funds to the School Corporation. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended that management of the School Corporation establish a proper system of internal controls and develop policies and procedures to ensure there are appropriate procurement procedures for goods and services and contractors and subrecipients, as appropriate, are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded prior to entering into any contracts or subawards. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 38 NORTH LAWRENCE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
Condition Upon inquiry of county personnel and a test of four (4) disbursements totaling $452,184, the following instances of noncompliance were noted: • The County failed to document suspension and debarment of vendors for purchases over $25,000. • The County failed to have written standards of conduct that cover conflicts of interest and that govern the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contract. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure federal disbursements are made in accordance with federal compliance requirements. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance with grant requirements and could result in a loss of federal funds. Recommendation: OSAI recommends the County gain an understanding of the grant requirements for this program and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with these grant requirements. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: These procurement issues originated during the prior County Clerk’s administration, but the current leadership is focused on corrective measures. Together, we are: • developing a SOP to ensure vendor checks for suspension and debarment are conducted on all purchases over $25,000, • establishing written standards of conduct to address conflicts of interest and set clear procurement guidelines, • and enhancing oversight and review to ensure all procurement processes are fully compliant with federal regulations. Our goal is to build a consistent, transparent procurement framework that safeguards both compliance and public trust. County Clerk: I was not the County Clerk in Office at this time. To correct this issue, the County plans to develop a SOP to timely and accurately track and report on the SEFA. The SOP will be reviewed, adopted, and monitored by the Board of County Commissioners. Criteria: Compliance and Reporting Guidance, State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (8. Procurement, Suspension & Debarment.) reads as follows: Recipients are responsible for ensuring that any procurement using SLFRF funds, or payments under procurement contracts using such funds, are consistent with the procurement standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327, unless stated otherwise by Treasury. As outlined in FAQ 13.15, only a subset of the Uniform Guidance requirements at 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart D (Post Federal Award Requirements) applies to recipients’ use of funds in the revenue loss eligible use category. The procurement standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance at 2 CRF 200.317 through 2 CRF 200.327 are not included in FAQ 13.15’s list of applicable Subpart D requirements that apply to recipients’ use of funds in the revenue loss eligible use category. The Uniform Guidance establishes in 2 CFR 200.319 that all procurement transactions for property or services must be conducted in a manner providing full and open competition, consistent with standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.320, which allows for non-competitive procurements only in certain circumstances. Recipients must have and use documented procurement procedures that are consistent with the standards outlined in 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.320. In addition, the Uniform Guidance at 2 CFR 200.214, 2 CFR Part 180, and Treasury’s implementing regulations at 31 CFR Part 19, prohibit recipients from entering into contracts with suspended or debarred parties. The procurement standards outlined in the Uniform Guidance require an infrastructure for competitive bidding and contractor oversight, including maintaining written standards of conduct. Your organization must ensure adherence to all applicable local, State, and federal procurement laws and regulations. Further, 2 CFR § 200.319 Competition (d) reads as follows: The non-Federal entity must have written procedures for procurement transactions.
2024-008 Federal Agencies: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Names: The Child Nutrition Cluster: National School Lunch Program Summer Food Service Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.555 10.559 Pass-Through Agency: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Education Pass-Through Number: 359-46-477-8 Award Period: July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: Uniform Guidance requires recipients to submit accurate, complete, and timely financial and performance reports for federal awards (2 CFR 200.327 and 200.328). Program specific reporting instructions for the Child Nutrition Cluster require the FNS 10 and FNS 418 to be filed within 30 days after month end. Condition: As part of the reporting requirements for the CBS Food Program under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), management is responsible for submitting the FNS 10 (NSLP) and FNS 418 (SFSP) reports within 30 days after month-end. However, management was unable to provide five (5) monthly NSLP reports and one (1) monthly SFSP report requested for audit testing. Questioned Costs: None Cause: Management did not maintain adequate internal controls to ensure that required monthly program reports were properly completed, retained, and available for audit. This may include weaknesses in recordkeeping processes, staff turnover, or insufficient monitoring of reporting deadlines. Effect: Failure to maintain and provide required federal reports results in noncompliance with federal reporting requirements. Because key source documents were unavailable, auditors were unable to verify the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of reported program activity for those months. This increases the risk of misreporting or unsupported claims being submitted to the federal government. Recommendation: The Organization should establish and enforce strengthened internal controls over federal reporting to ensure that all required monthly reports (FNS 10 and FNS 418) are: (a) completed accurately, (b) submitted on time, and (c) retained in accordance with federal record retention requirements (2 CFR 200.334). Management should designate responsible personnel and implement a monitoring process to ensure compliance. Views of Responsible Officers and Corrective Action Plan: Please refer to Community Benefit Solutions dba CBS Food Program’s Corrective Action Plan
Finding 2024-005 – Inadequate Procurement Documentation (Material Weakness) Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Federal Program Name: Nonpoint Source Implementation Grants Assistance Listing Numbers: 66.460 Pass-Through Entity: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Program Name: Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 11.438, 15.015, 15.244 Pass-Through Entity: State of Oregon – Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.665 Pass-Through Entity: U.S. Forest Service Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Agriculture Federal Program Name: Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistance Listing Numbers: 10.905 Pass-Through Entity: U.S. Forest Service Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Interior Federal Program Name: Wildlife, Sport Fish and Restoration Program Assistance Listing Numbers: 15.244 Pass-Through Entity: Bureau of Land Management Name of Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the InteriorFederal Program Name: Secure Rural Schools and community Self-Determination – Watershed and water-quality improvements Assistance Listing Numbers: 15.234 Pass-Through Entity: Bureau of Land Management Criteria: Federal procurement standards require non-Federal entities to maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement, including the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and basis for the contract price. Competitive procurement must follow the entity’s written procedures consistent with 2 CFR §§200.317-200.327, including: Written procedures for procurement (§200.318(a)). Full and open competition requirements (§200.319). Methods of procurement (sealed bids, proposal requirements, and required documentation (§200.320). Contract cost and price justification, (§200.324). Suspension/debarment verification for covered transactions (§200.214; §200.213). Condition: During the audit period, the Entity did not retain sufficient procurement documentation for several contracts funded under the above Assistance Listings. Specifically, files lacked one or more of the following: Evidence of the procurement method used. Price or cost analysis. Suspension/debarment checks for vendors where required. Documentation of competition. Conflict-of-interest attestations. Cause: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers procurement procedures were not sufficiently detailed or consistently applied to federal purchases. No evidence of procedures or review for procurement or suspension / debarment was provided to auditors. Turnover and limited training on Uniform Guidance procurement standards contributed to the inconsistent file completeness. Effect or Potential Effect: Without complete procurement documentation, the Entity cannot demonstrate compliance with federal procurement requirements, increasing the risk of: Noncompetitive awards or unreasonable prices. Unallowable costs for the award requirements. Potential disallowance or repayment of federal funds. Findings in federal or pass-through monitoring and future audits. Questioned Cost: Yes, $902,496 related to expenditures that had no procurement support or detail. Context: During our audit, it was found that the Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers had experienced complete staff turnover in Financial Management for the year being audited. No current finance employees had worked for the organization during the year being audited. Award files provided to auditors did not contain information related to procurement, suspension or debarment procedures or processes. Repeat of a Prior-Year Finding: No, Prior- year did not require a Single Audit. Recommendation: We recommend that Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers: Update Written Procurement Procedures o Incorporate Uniform Guidance thresholds and methods (§200.320), competition requirements (§200.319), and documentation expectations (history of procurement). o Embed steps for suspension / debarment checks and Appendix II Contract clauses. Standardized Procurement Checklist o Pre-award checklist that verifies: method, competition evidence, cost/price analysis, conflict of interest attestations, SAM exclusion check, and required federal clauses. o Post -award checklist ensuring complete contract file (award memo, bid tab / evaluation, signed agreement, clause verification). Cost/Price Analysis Guidance o Require documented price reasonableness for small purchases, formal cost or price analysis for larger or sole-source awards, per (§200.324). Training & Accountability o Provide targeted training to procurement and program staff on 2 CFR §§200.317- 20.327 and Assistance Listing award conditions. o Implement supervisory pre-award review and periodic file audits. District Response: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers acknowledges the deficiencies. Corrective Action Plan: ____________ (To be completed by Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers) Planned Implementation Date: _____________ Responsible Person: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers Finance Manager
Audit Finding 2024-006 – Noncompliance with Prevailing Wage Requirements Identification of the Federal Program: Education Stabilization Funds; Assistance Listing Number 84.425; Year 2024 Criteria: Under prevailing wage requirements applicable to this program (e.g., Davis Bacon Act, 40 U.S.C. 3141–3148, and 2 CFR 200.327 for procurement), contractors and subcontractors performing construction work must: • Pay laborers and mechanics no less than the locally prevailing wage rates as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor (Wage Determinations). • Submit certified payrolls weekly, signed by an authorized representative, in compliance with 29 CFR 5.5(a)(3). • Maintain adequate documentation supporting labor classifications, wage rates, and hours worked. Condition: During our testing of prevailing wage compliance for the outside class structure project, we identified prevailing wage rate clauses were not included in the contract and we could not verify that certified payrolls for compliance with the applicable wage determination were submitted. Context: Documentation was not maintained for prevailing wage support of projects tested. Cause: The District has had vacancies in certain positions that are key parts of the District's control processes which led to the District not maintaining proper documentation. Effect or Potential Effect: Failure to comply with required prevailing wage laws may result in: • Workers being underpaid; • The federal awarding agency requiring back‑wage restitution; • The entity being subject to enforcement actions or questioned costs. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that the entity: • Strengthen internal controls to ensure all contractors adhere to applicable wage determinations. • Require consistent and documented review of weekly certified payrolls. • Obtain restitution for identified underpayments, if applicable. • Provide training to staff overseeing construction and contractor compliance.
Finding 2024-008: Procurement – Significant Deficiency Information on the federal program: Federal program is American Rescue Plan Act - Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant Portfolio from the U.S. Department of Treasury passed through the Justice Advisory Council. Criteria: Non-federal entities other than states must follow the procurement standards set out in 2 CFR sections 200.318 through 200.327. They must use their own documented procurement procedures, which reflect applicable state and local laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable federal statues and the procurement requirements identified in 2 CFR Part 200. Condition: The Organization does not maintain a formal procurement policy and procedures that meets the requirements of the Uniform Guidance, including procedures addressing allowable costs exceeding the small purchase threshold. The lack of such a formal policy increases the risk that purchases are made that do not comply with Uniform Guidance. Cause: The Organization has not implemented a formal procurement policy and procedures that meets the requirements for the Uniform Guidance. Effect: The lack of such a formal policy increases the risk that purchases are made that do not comply with Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: As part of our testing over procurement standards under the Uniform Guidance, we requested documentation supporting the Organization’s procurement policies and procedures, including thresholds, required competition, documentation requirements, and approval processes. The Organization was unable to provide a formalized or adopted procurement policy. Additionally, procurement documentation reviewed during the audit indicated that purchases were made without evidence of compliance with federal procurement standards, confirming that the deficiency was systemic and not limited to a single transaction or department. Identification as a Repeat Finding: 2023-009 Recommendation: We recommend that management implement a formal procurement policy and procedures that meets the requirements of the Uniform Guidance. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: While Saint Anthony Hospital has a procurement policy in place, we need to order computers within a certain time frame in order to secure funds from the grant and utilize our main supplier. Thus, we did not get more than 1 quote for the computers. The procurement policy as well as all policies are reviewed every three years to comply with Joint Commission Standards. Saint Anthony will review its existing procurement policy to ensure that all elements required by the Uniform Guidance are incorporated. The review was completed on March 28, 2025.
2024-005 - Procurement and Suspension, and Debarment – Internal Control and Compliance over Procurement and Verification Against the System for Award Management (“SAM”) Identification of the Federal Program: Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Assistance Listing Title: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Pass-Through Entity: N/A Federal Award Identification Number: N/A Assistance Listing Number: 97.044 Assistance Listing Title: Assistance to Firefighters Grant Federal Agency: Department of Homeland Security Pass-Through Entity: N/A Federal Award Identification Number: EMW-2020-FG-15445, EMW-2021-FG-00268 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Suspension and Debarment, Non-Federal entities are prohibited from contracting with or making subawards under covered transactions to parties that are suspended or debarred. “Covered transactions” include those procurement contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (e.g., grant or cooperative agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000 or meet certain other criteria as specified in 2 CFR section 180.220. All nonprocurement transactions entered into by a recipient (i.e., subawards to subrecipients), irrespective of award amount, are considered covered transactions, unless they are exempt as provided in 2 CFR section 180.215. When a non-Federal entity enters into a covered transaction with an entity at a lower tier, the non-Federal entity must verify that the entity, as defined in 2 CFR section 180.995 and agency adopting regulations, is not suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from participating in the transaction. This verification may be accomplished by (1) checking the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) and available at https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM/ (Note: The OMB guidance at 2 CFR part 180 and agency implementing regulations still refer to the SAM Exclusions as the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS)), (2) collecting a certification from the entity, or (3) adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that entity (2 CFR section 180.300). Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.318 of the Uniform Guidance, the City is required to comply with the procurement standards, when using federal funds. These standards require non‑federal entities to maintain and use documented procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward, including for acquisition of property or services. These documented procurement procedures must be consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 2 CFR 200.327. The City’s purchasing policies require that all purchases charged to the City have an authorized Purchase Order (PO) in place before an order is placed or goods are received. The policy states that if an individual attempts to make a purchase without a City PO number, the vendor must request an authorized PO number and the name and department of the individual. The purchase order number is essential for conducting business with the City and ensures proper authorization, documentation, and payment. Therefore, all transactions including orders of goods or materials regardless of cost or type must be supported by a valid, approved PO prior to purchase activity. Condition: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) During our audit, we noted that eleven (11) out of thirty seven (37) suspension and debarment samples tested, the City did not have documentation on verifying the vendors against the SAM to ensure that they were not suspended or debarred from federally funded purchases. We also noted that thirty one (31) out of thirty seven (37) procurement samples tested, the City didn’t have purchase orders for these samples. Assistance to Firefighters Grant During our audit, we noted that two (2) out of two (2) procurement samples tested, the City did not have documentation on verifying the vendors against the SAM to ensure that they were not suspended or debarred from federally funded purchases. Cause: The City did not have a consistent process in place to ensure that the procurement process have been followed and maintained, and to require staff maintain the proof of verification performed on checking the suspension or debarment over vendors that the City makes contracts with federally-funded projects. Effect or Potential Effect: The lack of purchase orders limits transparency into procurement process, approval, and authorization, and weakens internal controls over spending. Without verifying whether vendors are suspended or debarred from working on federally-funded projects, the City could be contracting with vendors that are prohibited from working on federally-funded projects. Questioned Costs: None. Context: See condition above for the context of the finding. Identification as a Repeat Finding, If Applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommended the City establish internal control procedures to monitor compliance requirements to ensure the procurement process is implemented and monitored, and vendors are not suspended or debarred from federallyfunded purchases. Views of Responsible Officials: Management concurs with the finding.
2024-003 Improve Internal Controls and Compliance with Procurement Federal Program(s) Information Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury, Department of Transportation Award Name: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Highway Planning and Construction Assistance Listing Number: 21.027, 20.205 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement Per Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200.327 and 2 CFR Part 200, Appendix II), all contracts made by non-federal entities under federal awards must contain specific provisions as applicable, such as those for equal employment opportunity, Davis-Bacon, termination for cause, compliance with laws and regulations, and others. These provisions are required to ensure compliance with federal program requirements for procurement. Condition and Context During testing of contracts for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program and the Highway Planning and Construction program, we noted that contracts selected for testing did not contain all the required provisions outlined in Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200. While services were otherwise procured appropriately, documentation of the required contract clauses was not consistent across all contracts selected for review. Cause The City’s procurement processes did not include sufficient controls to ensure that all federally required contract provisions were incorporated into every contract funded with federal awards. Effect or Potential Effect Lack of inclusion of all required federal contract provisions increases the risk of noncompliance with Uniform Guidance and could lead to disputes or enforcement issues if regulatory or compliance matters arise. No questioned costs were identified, as the services procured were determined to be allowable and otherwise appropriate. Recommendation The City should enhance its procurement procedures to ensure all contracts funded by federal awards include every provision required by Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200 as applicable. Regular review of contract templates and procurement checklists should be implemented to support compliance. View of Responsible Officials Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
MATERIAL WEAKNESS Finding Number: 2024-003 Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance Federal Program: 84.027 & 84.173 Special Education Cluster (IDEA) Federal Program: 84.425D/84.425U Education Stabilization Fund Criteria: 2 CFR §200.318(a) requires non-federal entities to establish and maintain effective internal control over procurement transactions to ensure compliance with applicable federal statutes and regulations. 2 CFR §§200.317–200.327 require non-federal entities to maintain written procurement policies and procedures that address procurement methods, documentation requirements, and contract administration. 2 CFR §200.430(i) requires charges to federal awards for salaries and wages to be supported by documentation that accurately reflects the work performed and supports the allowability and allocation of payroll costs.2 CFR §200.302(b)(3) requires financial management systems to maintain records that adequately identify the source and application of funds for federally funded activities. Condition: The entity did not maintain adequate internal controls over procurement and payroll expenditures charged to the federal program. Specifically: • The entity does not have a formally adopted, written procurement policy that complies with federal procurement requirements. • Invoices tested did not include supporting documentation such as purchase orders, executed contracts, or memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to substantiate the procurement of goods or services, approval of the transactions, or the basis for the costs incurred. • Payroll expenditures charged to the federal program lacked sufficient supporting documentation, including employment contracts or documentation identifying the employee’s placement on the applicable salary chart within the Teacher and Support Staff Association agreement. • As a result, the entity was unable to demonstrate that payroll costs were calculated in accordance with approved pay rates and were allowable and properly supported. Cause: The deficiencies resulted from the absence of formal procurement policies and insufficient internal controls over documentation standards and record retention for procurement and payroll transactions. Effect: Due to the lack of written procurement policies and insufficient supporting documentation for procurement and payroll expenditures, the entity is unable to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and cost principles. These deficiencies increase the risk that unallowable or improperly supported costs could be charged to the federal program and not be detected in a timely manner. Identification of Questioned Costs:None identified. Context: The absence of formal procurement policies and consistent supporting documentation limited the ability to readily demonstrate compliance with federal procurement and cost principles and increased the extent of audit procedures required. Repeat Finding: This is a repeat finding of 2023-03.Recommendation: We recommend that management update its procurement policy to include all current requirements under 2 CFR 200 and implement a process to periodically review and revise the policy to remain compliant with future federal regulation changes. Require that all procurement transactions be supported by purchase orders, executed contracts, MOUs, invoices, and evidence of approval and receipt. Ensure payroll expenditures charged to federal programs are supported by employment contracts and documentation identifying employee placement on the applicable salary schedule in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, as required by 2 CFR §200.430. Implement monitoring and training procedures to ensure consistent compliance with federal documentation requirements. Views of Responsible Officials and Corrective Action Plan: Please see the Corrective Action Plan issued by the entity.
Federal Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development CFDA No.: 14.218 Federal Program: Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants Federal Award Year: 2024 Control Category: Reporting Questioned Costs: $0 Condition For the Community Development Block Grants/Entitlement Grants program, the City did not submit the following reports within the required deadline: Report Type Reporting Period (End Date) Report Submission Deadline Report Submission Date SF-425 Federal Financial Report September 30, 2023 October 30, 2023 November 20, 2023 SF-425 Federal Financial Report June 30, 2024 July 30, 2024 January 27, 2025 Criteria Pursuant to the Part 4 CDBG – Entitlement Grants Cluster and financial and performance reporting requirements in the cooperative agreement provisions, and 2 CFR 200.327: SF-425 Federal Financial Report: Program award recipients must submit SF 425 reports to HUD quarterly, 30 days after the reporting period end date. Each report must cover all expenditures on the cooperative agreement from the start date of the reporting period to the reporting period end date. The following federal fiscal year quarter reporting period will be used for all quarterly reports, are due to HUD 30 days after the period end dates. Cause The City did not have internal controls in place to ensure that financial and performance reports are filed timely. Effect Delay in filing the reports resulted in non-compliance with the compliance requirements. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs. Recommendation We recommend that the City strengthen internal controls by implementing procedures to ensure the timely filing of financial and performance reports. Management’s Response Regarding Corrective Action Taken or Planned Management agrees with the finding. In 2023, shortly after management was made aware procedures were put into place to properly oversee the timely submission of the SF-425 financial reports.
Criteria: The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200.318 require that the Agency have documented procurement procedures for procurement transactions under a Federal award or subaward Condition: The Agency has a procurement policy in place; however, it is not fully aligned with the procurement standards set forth in 2 CFR Part 200.317–200.327 of the Uniform Guidance. Specifically, the policy does not incorporate all required procurement methods or procedures, such as competitive bidding (sealed bids), even though no purchases during the audit period met the threshold requiring formal bidding. Cause: The Agency's current policy has not been updated to fully address the specific requirements of 2 CFR Part 200.317–200.327 of the Uniform Guidance. Effect: The Agency is not in compliance with 2 CFR Part 200.317–200.327 of the Uniform Guidance. Questioned Costs: None reported. Context: Not applicable. Repeat Finding: Not applicable. Recommendation: Although there were no purchases in the audit period meeting the threshold for competitive bidding, we recommend that the Agency review and revise its procurement policy to ensure compliance. This should include procedures for all procurement methods including sealed bids. View of Responsible Officials: See management’s corrective action plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-through Agency: Northampton County Pass-Through Number: N/A Award Period: May 18, 2022 - December 31, 2025; October 1, 2022 - December 31, 2025 May 18, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria: Uniform Guidance requires recipients to prepare, submit, and retain accurate, complete, and timely financial reports for federal awards in accordance with 2 CFR §§ 200.327 and 200.328. Additionally, federal record retention requirements (2 CFR § 200.334) require organizations to maintain supporting documentation sufficient to substantiate reported program activity. Condition: During audit testing of financial reporting for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, the Organization was unable to locate three of ten financial reports requested for review. As a result, auditors were unable to verify the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the reported financial information for those reporting periods. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Ten reports were requested for audit testing and management was unable to provide three of the requested reports. Cause: The Organization experienced turnover within the finance department, which contributed to inadequate document retention and weaknesses in controls over the preparation and maintenance of required financial reports. Effect: Failure to maintain and provide required financial reports constitutes noncompliance with federal reporting and record retention requirements. The absence of key source documentation limits assurance that reported program activity is accurate and supported and increases the risk of misreporting or unsupported claims being submitted to the federal government. Repeat Finding: N/A: Not a repeat finding Recommendation: The Organization should strengthen internal controls over financial reporting and record retention by establishing clear procedures to ensure that all required reports are accurately prepared, timely submitted, and retained in accordance with federal requirements. Management should designate responsible personnel and implement monitoring procedures to verify compliance with reporting and documentation standards. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Please refer to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ Corrective Action Plan.
Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Federal Program Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Pass-through Agency: Northampton County Pass-Through Number: N/A Award Period: May 18, 2022 - December 31, 2025; October 1, 2022 - December 31, 2025 May 18, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Type of Finding: • Material Weakness in Internal Control over Compliance • Other Matters Criteria: Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §§ 200.317–200.327) requires non‑federal entities to maintain written procurement procedures and documentation supporting procurement transactions to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations. Additionally, entities must verify and document that vendors are not suspended or debarred from participation in federal programs prior to award, in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.214. Condition: During audit testing of procurement and suspension and debarment requirements for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, the Organization was unable to provide documentation supporting the procurement selections tested. Additionally, documentation evidencing verification of vendor suspension and debarment status was not available for the selections reviewed. Questioned Costs: None. Context: Procurement and suspension and debarment documentation was requested for audit testing, and management was unable to provide documentation supporting the procurement selections and vendor eligibility for the items tested. Cause: The Organization did not consistently maintain required procurement and suspension and debarment documentation. Contributing factors included turnover within the finance and administrative functions and the absence of formalized procedures to ensure documentation is retained and readily available for audit and monitoring purposes. Effect: The lack of procurement and suspension and debarment documentation constitutes noncompliance with federal procurement requirements. Without adequate documentation, the Organization cannot demonstrate that procurements were conducted in accordance with Uniform Guidance or that vendors were eligible to receive federal funds and increases the risk of improper or unsupported expenditures of federal funds. Repeat Finding: N/A: Not a repeat finding Recommendation: The Organization should strengthen internal controls over procurement and suspension and debarment compliance by establishing and enforcing written procedures requiring documentation of procurement methods, vendor selection, and verification of suspension and debarment status prior to award. Management should ensure that all required documentation is retained in accordance with federal record retention requirements and subject to supervisory review. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: Please refer to Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ Corrective Action Plan.
FINDING NUMBER 2024-002 REQUIREMENT REPORTING TYPE OF FINDING MATERIAL WEAKNESS FEDERAL PROGRAM 14.871 – SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHERS CONDITION The Municipality did not submit or file the required FASS PH financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. At the completion of the audit, the report remained outstanding and had not been uploaded to the FASS PH system, resulting in noncompliance with HUD’s reporting requirements. CRITERIA Entities administering the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (AL 14.871) must submit annual financial information to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Financial Assessment Subsystem – Public Housing (FASS PH). This requirement is established under: • 2 CFR 200.327–200.328 (Uniform Guidance reporting requirements) • HUD Uniform Financial Reporting Standards (UFRS) • HUD Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) – FASS PH requirements • Applicable HUD notices and guidance for FY 2024 These regulations require timely submission of complete and accurate financial data to allow HUD to evaluate the financial condition and compliance performance of the Municipality’s Housing Choice Voucher Program. CAUSE The failure to submit the FASS PH report resulted from insufficient internal controls over the financial reporting process. Contributing factors included: • Lack of a formal monitoring process to track HUD reporting deadlines • Inadequate supervisory review of required submissions • Limited staff knowledge of HUD’s UFRS and FASS PH reporting procedures EFFECT Non-compliance may result in HUD administrative actions, negative impact on the municipality’s financial assessment score, delays or interruptions in federal funding and potential for increased oversight or monitoring by HUD. QUESTIONED COST None RECOMMENDATION The municipality should establish and document formal internal controls to ensure timely preparation and submission of the FASS PH report. Assign responsibility to specific personnel and implement a compliance calendar for HUD reporting deadlines. Provide training to financial staff on HUD reporting requirements, UFRS, and the FASS PH system. Implement a supervisory review process to verify completeness and accuracy before submission. Submit the outstanding FASS PH report as soon as possible, if HUD still permits late filing. PRIOR YEAR FINDING None VIEWS OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS AND PLANNED CORRECTIVE ACTION The Municipality of Comerío made a contract with an auditing firm to work on the reports and submission of the FASS-PH financial report compliance for the years in which the reports were not submitted. Furthermore, instructions were given for the HUD Coordinator to monitor the delivery of reports by the contracted auditing firm and to ensure that the contract for this service is finalized. Personnel in charge: Brenda L. Reyes Rivera, HUD Coordinator Compliance period: April 30, 2026
Finding 2024-005: Improve Procurement Procedures Federal Program(s) Information Federal Agency: Department of Education Cluster/Program: Special Education Cluster Award Name: Special Education Grants to States and Special Education Preschool Grants Assistance Listing Number: 84.027/84.173 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding - Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Material Weakness Criteria or Specific Requirement Per 2 CFR 200.318–200.327, non-federal entities must use their own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance. In some cases, state procurement laws under MGL Chapter 30B are more restrictive than the Uniform Guidance. In the event state procurement laws are less restrictive, non-federal entities must follow the more restrictive requirement under the Uniform Guidance. Condition and Context During our testing of three procurement transactions under the Special Education Cluster, the Town was unable to provide documentation supporting whether procurement policies and procedures were followed for each transaction. Specifically, the Town believed that the contracts were exempt from procurement under MGL Chapter 30B for contracts utilizing special education funding, which is less restrictive than Uniform Guidance requirements in this particular circumstance. As a result, the Town did not comply with the federal procurement standards applicable to these transactions. Cause The Town’s internal controls over procurement did not ensure that federal requirements under Uniform Guidance were followed when state and federal rules differed. The Town applied state-level exemptions rather than adhering to more restrictive federal standards. Effect or Potential Effect The absence of procurement documentation and use of state exemptions rather than federal requirements increase the risk of non-compliance and may result in unallowable costs. Questioned costs are reported as follows over all expenditures with vendors in excess of the micro-purchase threshold of $10,000: AL Number(s): Name of Federal Program or Cluster Questioned Costs 84.027/84.173 Special Education Cluster $759,116 Recommendation We recommend that the Town strengthen its internal controls over procurement to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, regardless of state law exemptions. The Town should ensure adequate documentation is retained for all federally funded procurements, and that procurement staff are trained on the distinction between federal and state procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Official See corrective action plan included herein.
Finding 2024-003: Improve Internal Controls Over Procurement Federal Program(s) Information Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Award Name: COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding - Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria or Specific Requirement Per 2 CFR 200.318–200.327, non-federal entities must use their own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance. In some cases, state procurement laws under MGL Chapter 30B are more restrictive than the Uniform Guidance. In the event state procurement laws are less restrictive, non-federal entities must follow the more restrictive requirement under the Uniform Guidance. Condition and Context During our testing of six procurement transactions under the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program, the Town was unable to provide documentation supporting whether procurement policies and procedures were followed for one transaction. Specifically, the Town believed that the contract was exempt from procurement under MGL Chapter 30B for contracts with architects, engineers, and related professionals, which is less restrictive than Uniform Guidance requirements in this particular circumstance. As a result, the Town did not comply with the federal procurement standards applicable to this transaction. Cause The Town’s internal controls over procurement did not ensure that federal requirements under Uniform Guidance were followed when state and federal rules differed. The Town applied state-level exemptions rather than adhering to more restrictive federal standards. Effect or Potential Effect The absence of procurement documentation and use of state exemptions rather than federal requirements increase the risk of non-compliance and may result in unallowable costs. Questioned costs are reported as follows: AL Number(s): Name of Federal Program or Cluster Questioned Costs 21.027 COVID-19 – Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $241,400 Recommendation We recommend that the Town strengthen its internal controls over procurement to ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements, regardless of state law exemptions. The Town should ensure adequate documentation is retained for all federally funded procurements, and that procurement staff are trained on the distinction between federal and state procurement requirements. Views of Responsible Official See corrective action plan included herein.
2024-004 Improve Internal Controls Over Procurement Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Award Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Significant Deficiency Criteria: Per 2 CFR 200.318–200.327, non-federal entities must use their own documented procurement procedures which reflect applicable state, local, and tribal laws and regulations, provided that the procurements conform to applicable Federal law and the standards set forth in the Uniform Guidance. For purchases exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, procurement must include documented procedures, full and open competition (unless an exemption applies), and executed contracts. All contracts must be fully executed and amendments provided for any changes to terms or scope. Additionally, any exemption from competitive bidding must be documented, and only applies to the period and scope approved. Suspension and debarment checks must also be performed and documented for covered transactions with vendors. Condition: During our testing of one procurement transaction under the SLFRF program, the Town received an exemption from bidding requirements typically required under Massachusetts’ state law. The exemption was due to an initial emergency procurement; however, expenditures continued to be incurred after the initial emergency ended and the associated contract’s substantial completion date. The Town did not provide contract amendments to extend the contract, nor did it perform additional procurement procedures for expenditures that occurred after the emergency period ended and outside the scope of the exemption. In addition, the contract with the vendor was not countersigned by the Town and therefore a fully executed contract did not exist. Further, suspension and debarment checks for vendors were not retained as required. Cause: The Town did not ensure contracts were fully executed prior to commencement of work, did not maintain documentation or perform procurement for additional expenditures incurred after the completion date of the original contract and outside the scope of the emergency exemption, and did not maintain documentation of required suspension and debarment checks. Effect: Failure to obtain a fully executed contract, perform and document suspension and debarment checks, and appropriately document or procure additional services beyond the contract term increases the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement requirements and may expose the Town to possible unallowable costs, conflicts of interest, or ineligible vendor participation. Recommendation: The Town should implement policies and procedures to ensure all contracts are fully executed prior to work commencement, and any extensions or additional services beyond the original contract are properly documented via contract amendments or appropriate procurement methods in accordance with Uniform Guidance. The Town should also ensure continued monitoring and documentation of procurement exemptions and maintain documentation of all suspension and debarment checks for vendors paid with federal funds. Views of Responsible Official: Management’s corrective action plan is included at the end of this report after the Schedule of Prior Year Findings.
2024-003 – Missing Federally Required Procurement Clauses in Vendor Contracts Federal Agency: Department of the Treasury Award Name: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Assistance Listing Number: 21.027 Award Year: 2024 Compliance Requirement: Procurement Type of Finding - Compliance Internal Control over Compliance – Other Matter Condition: During our review of procurement documentation for federal grant expenditures, we noted that the Town did not include all required federal procurement contract clauses in its agreements with vendors procured with federal funds. Our review of a contract issued under the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund grant, lacked required clauses related to the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, the Clean Air and Federal Water Pollution Control Acts, Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment, domestic preferences for procurements, and the Davis-Bacon Act. Criteria: Per Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.317–200.327 and Appendix II to Part 200, all contracts made by non-federal entities under federal awards must contain the applicable provisions described in Appendix II, including but not limited to clauses for termination for cause and convenience, Equal Employment Opportunity, Davis-Bacon Act (if applicable), Clean Air Act, and Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment. Cause: The omission appears to have resulted from a lack of comprehensive procedures to ensure all required federal clauses are incorporated into applicable contracts. Effect: Failure to include federally required contract clauses exposes the Town to the risk of noncompliance with federal procurement requirements, which may result in questioned costs, repayment of federal funds, or jeopardized future funding. Recommendation: We recommend that the Town develop and implement procedures to ensure all required federal clauses are included in all vendor contracts funded in whole or in part with federal awards. Staff responsible for procurement should receive training on federal requirements, and contracts should be reviewed for compliance prior to execution. Views of Responsible Officials: The Town is committed to strengthening its procurement practices and ensuring compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements. To address this issue, the Town will develop and implement standardized contract templates, and a comprehensive checklist of required federal clauses applicable to federally funded procurements for any future federal dollars. The Town will formalize procedures to ensure that a secondary review is consistently performed and documented for all required federal reports prior to submission and will designate a member of management or another qualified official to perform and document this review
Information on the Federal Program(s): 14.228 Community Development Block Grants/State’s Program Compliance Requirements: Procurement. Type of Finding: Material Noncompliance. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.319(d) requires that the non-Federal entity must maintain written procedures for procurement transactions. Condition: We noted that the City did not have written procedures for procurement transactions that include the provisions required by the Procurement Standards 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.327. Cause: The City was not aware of the requirement to have written procedures for procurement transactions. Effect: Failure to have adequate written procedures for procurement transactions could result in the acquisition of goods or services in violation with administrative requirements, federal regulations, other procurement requirements, and Uniform Guidance requirements. Questioned Costs: There are no questioned costs. Recommendation: We recommend that the City identify grants that are subject to Uniform Guidance on a timely basis to ensure all compliance requirements are met and develop adequate written policies and procedures for procurement transactions. Views of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Action: The City has identified federal grants subject to the Uniform Guidance and will develop written policies and procedures which include the relevant provisions required by 2 CFR § 200.318 through 2 CFR § 200.326 Contract provisions.
COVID-19 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Federal Assistance Listing No. 21.027 U.S. Department of Treasury Criteria or specific requirement – Procurement, Suspension and Debarment - 2 CFR 200.318-200.327 Condition – The Hospital does not have formal policies in place for the procurement of goods or services charged to federal awards or to review that vendors are not suspended or debarred. Cause – The Hospital does not have a procurement or suspension/debarment policy. Effect or potential effect – Vendor was not properly procured. Verification that vendor was not suspended or debarred was not performed by the Hospital. Questioned costs - Unknown Context – The sample selected for testing was nonstatistical and not designed to be statistically representative of the population. Accordingly, results of testing cannot be projected to the entire population. A sample of seven procurements were tested out of a population of 64. The sample selected for testing was non-statistical and not designated to be statistically representative of the population. Accordingly, results of the testing cannot be projected to the entire population. All of the samples tested were out of compliance due to the Hospital not having a formal policy for procurement or suspension and debarment that complies with Uniform Guidance requirements Identification as a repeat finding, if applicable – Not applicable Recommendation – The Hospital should create and approve a formal procurement policy and ensure that vendors are being procured according to the policy. In addition, the Hospital should include policies and procedures to verify vendors are not suspended or debarred from federal activities.
Condition: Upon inquiry of county personnel and a test of nineteen (19) disbursements, the following weaknesses were noted: • The County did not advertise bids for at least three weeks. • The County does not have written standards of conduct that cover conflicts of interest and govern the performance of its employees engaged in the selection, award, and administration of contract. Cause of Condition: Policies and procedures have not been designed and implemented to ensure federal expenditures are made in accordance with federal compliance requirements. Effect of Condition: This condition resulted in noncompliance with grant requirements. Recommendation: OSAI recommends the County gain an understanding of the grant requirements for this program and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with these grant requirements. Management Response: Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners: The Board acknowledges the need to incorporate specific federal clause language and procurement documentation standards into the County’s written procurement policy. • The County procurement policy will be updated to include required federal purchase and Uniform Guidance provisions. • Standardized procurement documentation procedures will be implemented for purchases involving federal funds. • Training will be provided to relevant personnel regarding federal purchasing requirements. • A compliance checklist will be adopted for federal expenditures to ensure documentation consistency. • Federal procurement requirements will be reviewed with personnel prior to project initiation, and documentation will be evaluated at project close out to confirm compliance. No questioned costs were identified in connection with these findings. County Clerk: The County will gain an understanding of the grant requirements for this program and implement internal controls to ensure compliance with these grant requirements. Criteria: 2 CFR § 200.317 through 200.327 General Procurement Standards reads as follows: When procuring property and services under a Federal award, a State must follow the same policies and procedures it uses for procurements from its non-Federal funds. The State will comply with §§ 200.321, 200.322, and 200.323 and ensure that every purchase order or other contract includes any clauses required by § 200.327. All other non-Federal entities, including subrecipients of a State, must follow the procurement standards in §§ 200.318 through 200.327. The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. (b) Non-Federal entities must maintain oversight to ensure that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchases orders. 2 CFR § 200.320 Sealed bids. This is a procurement method in which bids are publicly solicited through an invitation and a firm fixed-price contract (lump sum or unit price) is awarded to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms with all the material terms and conditions of the invitation and is the lowest in price. The sealed bids procurement method is preferred for procuring construction services. (i) For sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present: (A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available; (B) Two or more responsible bidders have been identified as willing and able to compete effectively for the business; and (C) The procurement lends itself to a firm-fixed-price contract, and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally based on price. (ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply: (A) Bids must be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources, providing them with sufficient response time prior to the date set for opening the bids. Unless specified by the Federal agency, the recipient or subrecipient may exercise judgment in determining what number is adequate. For local governments, the invitation for bids must be publicly advertised. (B) The invitation for bids must define the items or services with specific information, including any required specifications, for the bidder to properly respond; (C) All bids will be opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids. For local governments, the bids must be opened publicly. (D) A firm-fixed-price contract is awarded in writing to the lowest responsive bid and responsible bidder. When specified in the invitation for bids, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life-cycle costs must be considered in determining which bid is the lowest. Payment discounts must only be used to determine the low bid when the recipient or subrecipient determines they are a valid factor based on prior experience. (E) The recipient or subrecipient must document and provide a justification for all bids it rejects.
2024-008 – CORONAVIRUS CAPITAL PROJECT FUND – LACK OF SUPPORT FOR PROCUREMENT – ALN 21.029 - MATERIAL WEAKNESS & MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE FINDING TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS & MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE Finding 2024-008 Federal Program: Coronavirus Capital Project Fund ALN: 21.029 Federal Award Number(s) and Year(s): CPFFN0155, 2024 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of the Treasury Pass Through Agency: North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education Questioned Cost: Unknown Condition Williston Basin Public School District No. 7 did not maintain support surrounding the selection process for the construction management at-risk (CMAR) for the CTE Center. Therefore, we were unable to determine if the CMAR selection was properly completed. In addition, Willison Basin Public School did not have a procurement policy. Effect Without support for the selection of the CMAR of the CTE Center, Williston Basin Public School District is unable to demonstrate that contracts were properly awarded. Cause Williston Basin Public School District No. 7 does not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure documentation is maintained to ensure the selection process was completed in accordance with NDCC. Criteria • N.D.C.C. §48-01.2-20 (selection process for construction management at-risk planning and design phase services) includes, but is not limited to, the following requirements: o The selection committee shall establish the content of the request for qualifications, which must include (but is not limited to); the identity of the governing body and a list of the members of the selection committee, description of the proposed public improvement, proposed budget limits of the public improvement, commencement and completion date of the proposed public improvement, and the description of the scope of services to be provided. • 2 CFR 200.318 states: "The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non-Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327." • Under 2 CFR 200.303(a), recipients and subrecipients must "establish, document, and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the recipient or subrecipient is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award." Context Williston Basin Public School District entered into one contract for the CTE Center with a value of $20,390,114. Repeat Finding No. Recommendation We recommend the Willison Basin Public School District maintain support surrounding the selection process for the construction manager at-risk. We also recommend that a procurement policy is established. Williston Basin Public School District No. 7’s Response See Corrective Action Plan.
2024-011– EDUCATION STABILIZATION FUND - REPORTING – ALN 84.425 - MATERIAL WEAKNESS & MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE FINDING TYPE: MATERIAL WEAKNESS & MATERIAL NONCOMPLIANCE Finding 2024-011 Federal Program: Education Stabilization Fund ALN: 84.425 Federal Award Number(s) and Year(s): S425U210007, 2024 Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Education Pass Through Agency: North Dakota Department of Public Instruction Questioned Cost: N/A Condition Williston Basin Public School District No. 7 did not maintain documentation for the data that was submitted to the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) for the state’s completion of the Annual Report for the Education Stabilization Fund program. We were able to obtain the information that was submitted from NDDPI; however, due to issues identified with the accuracy of underlying accounting records we were unable to determine if the information included in the report is accurate. Effect The School District may have reported incorrect data to NDDPI, which was then improperly reported to the U.S. Department of Education in the Annual Report on the use of Education Stabilization Funds. Cause Williston Basin Public School District No. 7 does not have sufficient procedures in place to ensure that support documentation for federal grants is maintained and tracked accurately. Criteria Per the grant agreement, "the LEA will comply with all reporting requirements, including those in Section 15011(b)(2) of Division B of the CARES Act, and submit required quarterly reports to the NDDPI at such time and in such manner and containing such information as the Secretary may subsequently require. (See also 2 CFR 200.327-200.329). Additional reporting may be required in the future, which may include: the methodology LEAs will use to provide services or assistance to students and staff in both public and non-public schools, the uses of funds by the LEAs or other entities and demonstration of their compliance with Section 18003(d), such as any use of funds addressing the digital divide, including securing access to home-based connectivity and remote-use devices, related issues in supporting remote learning for all students, including disadvantaged populations." Context Williston Basin Public School District No. 7 had ESSER expenses of $1,588,987.54 during the year. Repeat Finding Yes. See finding 2023-012. Recommendation We recommend that Williston Basin Public School District No. 7 maintain documentation for the data that is submitted to NDDPI for the completion of the Annual Report for the Educations Stabilization Fund. Williston Basin Public School District No. 7’s Response See Corrective Action Plan.
Information of the Federal Programs: Assistance Listing Number: 14.218 Assistance Listing Title: Community Development Block Grants - Entitlement Grants Federal Agency: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) Federal Award Number and Award Year: B-21-MC-06-0536, B-22-MC-06-0536, B-23-MC-06-0536, and B-20-MW-06-0536 Criteria or Specific Requirement (Including Statutory, Regulatory, or Other Citation): Pursuant to the Guidance on Cash on Hand Quarterly Report (replaced the Federal Financial Report, SF-425) and financial reporting requirements in the cooperative agreement provisions, and 2 CFR 200.327: Quarterly reports: Program award recipients must submit Cash on Hand Quarterly Report reports to HUD quarterly, 30 days after the reporting period end date. Each report must cover all expenditures on the cooperative agreement from the start date of the reporting period to the reporting period end date. The following federal fiscal year quarter reporting period will be used for all quarterly reports, are due to HUD 30 days after the period end dates noted below: Reporting Period - Due Date of Report Quarter 1: 10/1-12/31 - January 30 Quarter 2: 1/1-3/31 - April 30 Quarter 3: 4/1-6/30 - July 30 Quarter 4:7/1-9/30 - October 30 Condition: The City did not submit the required Cash on Hand Quarterly Report in a timely manner. The Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 reports were both submitted on August 1, 2024. Cause: During the period the City was migrating to a new Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP). The grant accountant missed the deadline due to the ERP migration deadlines. Effect or Potential Effect: Delay in filing the reports resulted in noncompliance with the compliance requirements. Questioned Costs: None. Context: See condition above for context of the finding. Identification as a Repeat Finding, If Applicable: Not applicable. Recommendation: We recommend that the City update policies and procedures to strengthen the report submission process to ensure all required reports are properly reviewed and approved and submitted timely. When a report cannot be submitted by the due date, the City should request an extension from the funding agency and maintain a record of the approval. View of Responsible Officials: Management concurs the finding.
FINDING 2024-005 Subject: Child Nutrition Cluster - Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Federal Agency: Department of Agriculture Federal Programs: School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Summer Food Service Program for Children Assistance Listings Numbers: 10.553, 10.555, 10.559 Federal Award Numbers and Years (or Other Identifying Numbers): FY 22-23, FY 23-24 Pass-Through Entity: Indiana Department of Education Compliance Requirement: Procurement and Suspension and Debarment Audit Findings: Material Weakness, Modified Opinion Repeat Finding This is a repeat finding from the immediately prior audit report. The prior audit finding number was 2022-004. Condition and Context Internal control is generally defined as a process affected by an entity's oversight body, management, and other personnel that provides reasonable assurance that the objectives of the entity will be achieved. For federal awards, nonfederal entities, such as the School Corporation, are required to establish and maintain internal control over federal awards to provide reasonable assurance that the entity will comply with applicable federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of its awards. Internal control is not one event or circumstance, but a dynamic and continual process. The process is based on fundamental principles that operate as whole. The fundamental principles are related to five components of internal controls which are as follows: Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, and Monitoring. If a component is not effective, or the components are not operating together in an integrated manner, then an internal control system cannot be effective. Deficiencies as noted below were identified in all five of the components. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 35 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Control Environment The School Corporation had not established a strong foundation for an effective internal control system. There was no demonstrated emphasis on the importance of internal controls or on compliance with federal program requirements. Risk Assessment The School Corporation had not defined objectives necessary to identify risks or determine risk tolerances. Management did not identify, analyze, or respond to risks that could affect the achievement of objectives, including risks arising from significant changes to operations or the potential for fraud. Control Activities - Procurement Federal regulations allow for informal procurement methods when the value of the procurement for property or services does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, which is set at $250,000. However, Indiana Code 5-22-8 has a more restrictive threshold of $150,000 or less for when small purchase procedures may be used. This informal process allows for methods other than the formal bid process. The informal process is divided between two methods based on thresholds: micro-purchases, typically for those purchases $10,000 or under, and small purchase procedures for those purchases above the micro-purchase threshold but below the simplified acquisition threshold. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price rate quotations. If small purchase procedures are used, then price or rate quotations must be obtained from an adequate number of qualified sources. The School Corporation did not have internal controls in place to ensure the purchasing method used complied with federal and state requirements. We identified three vendors in fiscal year 2022-2023 and three vendors in 2023-2024 that fell within the small purchase threshold. All vendors were selected for testing. The School Corporation did not obtain price or rate quotes for any of the vendors tested that were less than the simplified acquisition threshold of $150,000 but exceeded the $10,000 micro-purchase threshold. Additionally, the School Corporation did not enter into a contract for two of the six vendors as required by Indiana Code for purchases between $50,000 and $150,000. Finally, documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit. We identified 125 micro-purchases for the audit period. Of the 125 micro-purchases, 25 were selected for testing. Documentation detailing the history of the procurement, which must include the reason for the procurement method used, was not available for audit for all 25 micro-purchases tested. Control Activities - Suspension and Debarment Prior to entering into subawards and covered transactions with federal award funds, recipients are required to verify that such contractors and subrecipients are not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded. "Covered transactions" include, but are not limited to, contracts for goods and services awarded under a nonprocurement transaction (i.e., grant agreement) that are expected to equal or exceed $25,000. The verification is to be done by checking the SAMs exclusions, collecting a certification from that vendor, or adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that vendor. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 36 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Upon inquiry of the School Corporation in order to review the procedures in place for verifying that a vendor with which it plans to enter into a covered transaction is not suspended, debarred, or otherwise excluded, the School Corporation disclosed procedures had not been performed to ensure vendors were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into covered transaction. We identified two vendors in 2022-2023 and two vendors in 2023-2024 for which suspension and debarment procedures should have been performed. All vendors were selected for testing. For all vendors, the School Corporation did not perform procedures to ensure the vendors paid with federal grant funds were not suspended or debarred prior to entering into the covered transaction. Information and Communication The School Corporation had not established adequate communication methods or practices to ensure that reliable information was identified, captured, and communicated to the appropriate internal and external parties. Monitoring The School Corporation did not perform ongoing or periodic evaluations to determine whether internal controls were operating effectively or to identify needed improvement. In addition, the School Corporation did not have a process in place to track or to follow-up on corrective actions written in response to audit findings. The lack of internal controls and noncompliance were systemic issues throughout the audit period. Criteria 2 CFR 200.303 states in part: "The non-Federal entity must: (a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 'Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government' issued by the Comptroller General of the United States or the 'Internal Control Integrated Framework', issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). . . ." 2 CFR 200.318 states in part: "(a) The non-Federal entity must have and use documented procurement procedures, consistent with State, local, and tribal laws and regulations and the standards of this section, for the acquisition of property or services required under a Federal award or subaward. The non- Federal entity's documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in §§ 200.317 through 200.327. . . . INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 37 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) (i) The non-Federal entity must maintain records sufficient to detail the history of procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price. . . ." 2 CFR 200.320 states in part: "The non-Federal Entity must have and use documented procedures, consistent with the standards of this section and §§ 200.317, 200.318, and 200.319 for any of the following methods of procurement . . . (1) Micro-purchases– . . . (ii) Micro-purchase awards. Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive price or rate quotations if the non-Federal entity considers the price to be reasonable based on research, experience, purchase history or other information and documents it files accordingly. . . . (2) Small purchases– (i) Small Purchase procedures. The acquisition of property or services, the aggregate dollar amount of which is higher than the micro-purchase threshold but does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. If small purchase procedures are used, price or rate quotations must be obtained form an adequate number of qualified sources as determined appropriate by the non-Federal entity. . . ." Indiana Code 5-22-8-3(d) states in part: ". . . the purchasing agent shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive offeror . . ." 2 CFR 180.300 states: "When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by: (a) Checking SAM Exclusions; or (b) Collecting a certification from that person; or (c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person." Cause The School Corporation had not implemented an effective system of internal controls. Changes in key financial personnel, along with insufficient employee training, contributed to processes and procedures not being properly developed or consistently followed. Policies and procedures were not properly implemented to ensure that appropriate procurement methods were used, histories of procurements were documented, and price or rate quotes for small purchases were obtained. Additionally, vendors' suspension and debarment statuses were not being verified. INDIANA STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS 38 SCOTT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS (Continued) Effect Because the five components of internal control were not properly designed or implemented, the School Corporation's internal control system could not be effective. As a result, general and fraud-related risks, as well as risks arising from significant operational changes, could negatively impact the School Corporation. Existing internal control deficiencies may continue undetected, and additional weaknesses may exist without being identified. Furthermore, by not properly completing the procurement process the School Corporation could have overpaid for goods or services. Additionally, the School Corporation could have made payments to a vendor that was suspended or debarred. Payments to a suspended or debarred vendor are unallowable. Questioned Costs There were no questioned costs identified. Recommendation We recommended the School Corporation design and implement a system of internal controls, which would include policies and procedures related to the five components of internal control. Management should define clear objectives, identify and assess risks, and develop policies and procedures to address those risks. Regular monitoring should be conducted to ensure internal controls are operating effectively and deficiencies are addressed promptly. Additionally, we recommended that the School Corporation's management establish a proper system of internal controls to ensure expenditures made from federal awards use the appropriate procurement method. Finally, we recommended that the School Corporation's management verify applicable vendors are not suspended or debarred prior to making payment. Views of Responsible Officials For the views of responsible officials, refer to the Corrective Action Plan that is part of this report.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Federal Financial Assistance Listing #14.134 Mortgage Insurance Rental Housing Project Number: 091-11022 HUD Regulatory Agreement Dated July 1, 2016 Procurement, Suspension, and Debarment Significant Deficiency in Internal Control over Compliance Criteria: 2 CRF 200.303(a) establishes that the auditee must establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides assurance that the entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. The non-Federal entity’s documented procurement procedures must conform to the procurement standards identified in 2 CFR 200.317 through 200.327 which also requires documentation to be retained to detail the history of procurements. In addition, as outlined in 2 CFR 180, recipients must not utilize any vendor which is suspended or debarred or is otherwise excluded from the central contactor registry. Condition: There was one vendor with expenditures in excess of $25,000 and the Project did not verify the vendor against the central contractor registry prior to entering into the transaction or on a periodic basis to ensure that the vendor was not suspended or debarred. Prior to adoption of a procurement policy, management entered into a transaction over the micropurchase threshold with a vendor and documentation was unable to be provided to support procurement compliance for the vendor. Cause: The Project adopted a written procurement policy which conforms to Uniform Guidance during May 2023 and therefore, the Project did not have a policy in place to follow from January through May. Management overlooked the requirement to verify the vendor against the central contractor registry for a vendor. Effect: Inadequate controls over this area of compliance result in a reasonable possibility that the Project would not have the required documentation in place and would not be able to detect and correct noncompliance in a timely manner. Questioned Costs: $23,335 Context/Sampling: A nonstatistical sample of 4 of 8 transactions applicable to procurement requirements were selected for testing, which accounted for $95,590 of $199,971 of transactions. In addition, there was one vendor in which suspension and debarment requirements were applicable and the vendor was tested. Repeat Finding from Prior Year: Yes Recommendation: Management implemented formal procedures over procurement during May 2023 and we recommend management continue following those formal procedures. In addition, we recommend management implement formal procedures over suspension and debarment and retain sufficient documentation to support the process was followed. Views of Responsible Officials: Management agrees with the finding and recommendation.